S1-S2: Students within these year groups will learn be taught Science which covers fundamental areas of Physics, Chemistry and Biology. This provides a great foundation on which the students will build on in later years.

S3:

Waves and Technology

Telecommunications has become a major industry encompassing mobile phones, radio, television, optical systems and computers. Modern systems are available in most parts of the world and signals extend into space. Physics within the field of medicine looks at familiar applications such as thermometers, stethoscopes and spectacles progressing to more modern applications such as ultrasonics, fibre optics, X-rays, gamma rays and radioactivity.

Forces and Space

This unit seeks to develop the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of simple concepts and facts related to movement: time, distance, speed and acceleration. Explain buoyancy force in terms of the pressure difference between the top and bottom of an object. Develop an understanding of the kinetic model of a gas by describing the qualitative relationships between pressure, volume and temperature. Consider applications of physics in the context of astronomy and spaceflight to develop an understanding of the Earth’s position within the universe while developing a sense of time and scale. Develop an understanding of how our knowledge of the universe has changed over time and explore ideas of future exploration and the likelihood of life beyond planet Earth.

Electricity and Energy

This unit aims to develop further the fundamental principles of electricity and does so within the context of familiar electrical devices. Design and carry out investigations into the strength of magnets and electromagnets. Electronics is studied in terms of a systems approach in that the components of an electronic system are considered from the point of view of how they behave. In addition to considering some of the physical principles involved, pupils should become aware of wider issues concerning energy. The need for energy conservation and for consideration of environmental issues is also involved.

National 4:

Electricity and Energy

The Unit covers the key areas of generation of electricity, electrical power, electromagnetism, practical electrical and electronic circuits, gas laws and the kinetic model. Learners will apply these skills when considering the applications of electricity and energy on our lives, as well as the implications on society/the environment.

Waves and Radiation

The Unit covers the key areas wave characteristics, sound, electromagnetic spectrum and nuclear radiation. Learners will apply these skills when considering the applications of waves and radiation on our lives, as well as the implications on society/the environment.

Dynamics and Space

The Unit covers the key areas of speed and acceleration, relationships between forces, motion and energy, satellites and cosmology. Learners will apply these skills when considering the applications of dynamics and space on our lives, as well as the implications on society/the environment.

Physics Assignment

In this Unit, learners will draw on and extend the skills they have learned from across the other Units, and demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and skills acquired, in unfamiliar contexts and/or integrated ways.

National 5:

Electricity and Energy

The Unit covers the key areas of conservation of energy, electrical charge carriers and electric fields, potential difference (voltage), practical electrical and electronic circuits, Ohm’s law, electrical power, specific heat capacity, gas laws and the kinetic model. Learners will apply these skills when considering the applications of electricity and energy on our lives, as well as the implications on society/the environment.

Waves and Radiation

The Unit covers the key areas wave parameters and behaviours, light, electromagnetic spectrum and nuclear radiation. Learners will apply these skills when considering the applications of waves and radiation on our lives, as well as the implications on society/the environment.

Dynamics and Space

The Unit covers the key areas of velocity and displacement, velocity-time graphs, acceleration, Newton’s laws, projectile motion, space exploration and cosmology. Learners will apply these skills when considering the applications of dynamics and space on our lives, as well as the implications on society/the environment.

Higher:

Electricity

The Unit covers the key areas of monitoring and measuring a.c., current, potential difference, power and resistance, electrical sources and internal resistance, capacitors, conductors, semiconductors and insulators and p-n junctions. Learners will apply these skills when considering the applications of electricity on our lives, as well as the implications on society/the environment.

Particles and Waves

The Unit covers the key areas; the standard model, forces on charged particles, nuclear reactions, wave particle duality, interference and diffraction, refraction of light and spectra. Learners will apply these skills when considering the applications of particles and waves, as well as the implications on society/the environment.

Our Dynamic Universe

The Unit covers the key areas of motion (equations and graphs), forces, energy and power, collisions, explosions and impulse, gravitation, special relativity and the expanding universe. Learners will apply these skills when considering the applications of our dynamic universe on our lives, as well as the implications on society/the environment.

Researching Physics

The general aim of this Unit is to develop skills relevant to undertaking research in physics. Learners will collect and synthesise information from different sources, plan and undertake a practical investigation, analyse results and communicate information related to their findings. They will also consider any applications of the physics involved and implications for society/ the environment. The Unit offers opportunities for collaborative and for independent learning. Learners will develop knowledge and skills associated with standard laboratory apparatus and in the recording and processing of results. The communication of findings will develop skills in scientific literacy.